Top 15 Must-Visit Beaches in Michigan

Why spend exorbitant amounts on a vacation to distant locales such as the Caribbean when the Midwest offers exceptional beaches with pristine waters? With over 3,200 miles of shoreline along its Great Lakes, Michigan ranks as the second-largest shoreline state in the United States.

Unwind on immaculate beaches and spend your time enjoying sunbathing and swimming along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. The remarkable variety of beaches in Michigan provides numerous options for discerning travelers.

Whether you are in search of a family-friendly beach complete with ample amenities or a serene beach characterized by golden sands and optimal fishing conditions, Michigan’s shoreline has offerings to suit every preference.

Let us examine the premier beaches in Michigan:

1. Grand Haven

A quintessential summer destination featuring a 48-acre state park, Grand Haven ranks among the most sought-after vacation spots in Michigan. The beach offers all the expected amenities; however, this convenience comes with an entrance fee of $9 per day for the state park.

A charming red lighthouse and a scenic boardwalk extending into the town’s center enhance the experience. For breakfast, visit the Morning Star Café, or opt for Mediterranean cuisine at Elegance of the Seasons for lunch. For exquisite cocktails, consider Snug Harbor and Jack’s Waterfront Bistro.

For visitors accompanying their canine companions, a pet-friendly beach is nearby, allowing for enjoyable walks with your dog.

2. Orchard Beach State Park

Orchard Beach State Park, known for its more than 150 campsites, is situated on a bluff which provides stunning views of Lake Michigan. Access to the beach below is made easy by a staircase.

Popular activities here include swimming, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. Furthermore, winter visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing!

The harbor features two piers, with public restrooms and picnic facilities available for visitors’ convenience. The campsite is well-designed to cater to campers, offering shower and restroom buildings, a mini cabin, and paved sites for individuals with mobility challenges.

A notable attraction includes trolley tours that explore the beautiful Manistee area.

3. Sleeping Bear Dune National Lakeshore

Acclaimed as one of the most picturesque locations in the United States, featuring stunning panoramas and 60 miles of shoreline, Sleeping Bear Dune National Lakeshore boasts golden sand beaches surrounded by lush forests rich in unique flora and fauna.

Visitors can ascend the dunes for breathtaking views of quaint farmsteads and the island’s lighthouse. Hiking through the forest, birdwatching, and canoeing in the inland lakes are all highly recommended activities.

This area is particularly enjoyable for families, offering numerous inland lakes to explore, while the dunes themselves provide a thrilling playground for children.

4. Empire Beach

Located within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire Beach ranks among the most beautiful beaches in the region, drawing large crowds of both tourists and locals alike.

This dog-friendly beach serves as an ideal retreat for adventurous travelers seeking to blend water activities with hiking, birdwatching, and the enjoyment of the natural environment.

Visitors can take leisurely bike rides along the numerous paths or embark on self-guided road trips to discover the local area. Furthermore, navigating the region is straightforward, ensuring you will not get lost easily.

5. Manistique

Named for the confluence of Lake Michigan and the Manistique River, this area was historically a lumber town that has now transformed into a premier destination for summer recreation.

This scenic locale features a natural harbor and beach that attracts mainly local visitors. Nature enthusiasts can explore numerous trails and several historical landmarks.

Fishing, boating, camping, and hunting rank among the most favored pastimes at Manistique. In winter, snowmobiling is also an option!

The area is home to various restaurants serving delectable local dishes, alongside charming souvenir shops and boardwalk stands. Consider visiting the Seul Choix Point Lighthouse and taking a tour of the notable 19th-century ghost town, Fayette.

6. Copper Harbor

Situated in northern Michigan, Copper Harbor is renowned for its magnificent scenic views and boasts a world-class mountain trail system ideal for exceptional hiking experiences. To visit the well-known lighthouse in Copper Harbor, consider embarking on a sea kayak tour for an adventure.

For those preferring a more tranquil experience, exploring the quaint galleries and shops or enjoying a round of mini-golf are excellent alternatives.

Historically, Copper Harbor served as a passage for the Pittsburg and Boston Mining Company’s goods; today, it operates commercially and recreationally, ferrying passengers from Isle Royale National Park to northern Michigan.

Spend a day at the picturesque Copper Harbor beach, which lies directly across from the lighthouse. This beach is so enchanting that many newlyweds choose it as a location for wedding photographs.

7. Warren Dunes State Park

Warren Dunes State Park represents one of the most frequented parks in Michigan, welcoming over one million visitors each year. Travelers are drawn here by the stunning lakeshore beaches and the expansive rolling sand dunes.

These impressive dunes are photogenic and attract landscape photographers; however, active visitors are encouraged to climb the slopes and enjoy the thrill of sandboarding down.

Be sure to ascend Tower Hill, the tallest sand dune in Warren Dunes State Park, offering breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding landscape.

8. Rogers City

Often referred to as the Salmon Capital of Michigan or Nautical City due to its historical ties to the shipping industry, Rogers City is home to one of the region’s largest ports, along with several lovely beaches where locals gather to relax and sunbathe.

Fishing is a prominent activity here, with many anglers utilizing a specially constructed fishing platform recently added to the harbor. Additionally, an annual salmon fishing tournament is hosted in Rogers City.

9. Tiscornia Beach

Situated in St. Joseph, Tiscornia Beach offers an excellent venue for quality time with family and friends. Located on Lake Michigan, the beach presents a myriad of activities and spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

Visitors can enjoy swimming, access the North Pier, or venture up and down the sandy dunes. Facilities include a picnic area, bathing area, public restrooms, and a pavilion.

The exciting aspect of Tiscornia Beach is that it remains open year-round, providing optimal swimming conditions in its serene waters.

Consider heading to the North Pier to observe fishermen or relish a full day basking in the sun on Tiscornia Beach. Note that animals and alcohol are prohibited on the beach.

10. Silver Lake Sand Dunes

Situated between Ludington and Muskegon, Silver Lake Sand Dunes serves as an ideal summer destination for various activities, including boating, hiking, off-roading, and golfing.

This secluded beach along Lake Michigan’s shoreline is a romantic getaway spot for couples seeking tranquility and privacy. Here, over 2,000 acres of rolling sand dunes separate the lake from the beach.

Accessing the beach, however, requires a roughly 45-minute walk from the Silver Lake parking area. Alternatively, visitors can drive off-road vehicles over the dunes and directly onto the beach.

11. Saugatuck Dunes State Park Beach

Saugatuck Dunes State Park Beach features nearly three miles of shoreline, presenting a secluded expanse alongside Lake Michigan. The beach welcomes visitors during daylight hours only.

The sand dunes here rank among the tallest in the region, towering over 200 feet! Visitors are encouraged to explore the undulating sandy slopes or traverse the many excellent hiking trails.

Numerous dining establishments nearby offer refreshing beverages and light lunches. Additionally, several souvenir shops can be found close to Saugatuck Dunes State Park Beach.

Key activities in this area include boating on Lake Michigan and enjoying a delightful picnic with loved ones.

12. North Manitou Island

If you seek a tranquil location devoid of tourists and local vendors, North Manitou Island presents an ideal setting for your summer retreat.

This remarkable island encompasses over 15,000 acres for exploration, offering a range of activities including sunbathing, hunting, camping, and hiking.

In the afternoon, visitors may venture to one of the island’s villages to engage with the locals, followed by explorations of an intriguing ghost town at night!

13. South Beach Park

South Beach Park stands as one of the most frequented beaches in South Haven, renowned for its family-friendly environment, making it an ideal location for visitors traveling with children.

Guests flock from across the state to unwind on the beach and enjoy moments in the water. Nearby, an exceptional skateboard park is a great spot for watching children and adults alike showcase their talents, while the evening gives way to captivating sunsets known for their beauty throughout the year.

The beach is equipped with many useful facilities, including restrooms, showers, and picnic areas, which likely contributes to the high demand for parking, especially on weekends.

14. Tawas Point State Park

Covering 180 acres, Tawas Point State Park presents an exceptional location for a summer escape in Michigan. Often lauded as the Cape Cod of the Midwest, it provides a designated beach with ideal swimming conditions.

With an expansive campground in the vicinity and shallow waters ensuring safety for children, visitors can also tour the lighthouse or engage in birdwatching around the Lake Huron Flyaway, which hosts nearly 300 migratory bird species!

Vacationers seeking a picturesque beach for safe swimming and relaxation will surely appreciate Tawas Point State Park.

15. Hoffmaster State Park Beach

Hoffmaster State Park Beach is located near the North Shores and boasts nearly three miles of coastline along Lake Michigan. The beach extends from the Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center to the Lake Michigan Dunes, with numerous miles of excellent hiking trails available nearby.

The campground provides modern amenities that ensure a comfortable camping experience for visitors.

The picturesque views of Lake Michigan from Hoffmaster State Park Beach are outstanding, with birdwatching being a key activity as migratory songbirds, including sparrows, warblers, and thrushes, can be frequently observed.